JOLO, Philippines (28 July 2000) -- Der Spiegel reporter Andreas Lorenz has been released by Muslim bandits after 25 days in captivity. According to police officials, a ransom of $1m was paid for Lorenz's freedom. "This is the worst ordeal of my life. I will never come back to the Philippines," said Lorenz after he was brought out of the jungle. So far, 11 hostages have been freed including six Malaysians and one German from the group abducted from a Sipadan Island diving resort over three months ago. Of the original group of 21 hostages abducted from Sipadan, 14 remain captive including three Malaysians, two Germans, two Finns, three French, two South Africans and two Filipinos. Abu Sayyaf bandits are also holding a three-person French TV crew and a group of 13 Filipino Christian evangelists. | | Abu Sayyaf rebels Negotiations for the release of the remaining 30 hostages have been complicated by squabbling among the bandits over sharing the huge ransom payments. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
